Electric Contact Device With Insulating Elastic Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing board-to-board connectors for high-frequency signals are bulky and have a large number of parts, which increases production and logistics costs and makes them unsuitable for future grid or row configurations due to their size.
Innovation Solution
An electrical contact device with a first elastic element made of electrically insulating material, such as an elastomer, is used between the outer and inner conductors to provide both insulation and axial elasticity, allowing the conductors to change their axial extent and maintain sufficient contact pressure, thus reducing the number of parts and size while ensuring reliable high-frequency connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate spring mechanisms and insulator elements are used for outer and inner conductors, then sufficient contact pressure and electrical insulation are ensured, but the number of parts increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulator element and spring mechanism into a single integrated component. The insulator element has a first region that directly contacts the inner conductor and a second region that contacts the outer conductor, eliminating the need for separate spring mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining both electrical insulation and contact pressure functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation between the inner and outer conductors, applies spring pressure to maintain contact, and compensates for axial misalignment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If traditional coaxial SLC contact elements with separate spring mechanisms are used, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the geometric dimensions are too large for future grid or row configurations
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the insulator and spring mechanism into one component, the overall volume of the contact element is reduced. The integrated design eliminates the space required for separate spring mechanisms and their mounting structures, resulting in a more compact contact element suitable for dense grid or row configurations.
3Force
If multiple individual parts are used in coaxial SLC contact elements, then sufficient contact pressure can be applied, but production and logistics costs increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the insulator element and spring mechanism into a single component reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and managed in logistics. This merging simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while the integrated spring mechanism continues to provide sufficient contact pressure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a compact, cost-effective electrical contact device that reliably connects high-frequency components by minimizing the number of parts and adapting to axial offsets, meeting future spatial requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic element made of an electrically insulating material, such as an elastomer, is used between the outer and inner conductors to provide both insulation and axial elasticity
Implementation Method 2
Due to the elasticity of the first elastic element and its fixation to the outer conductor in a compressed state, a spring force can be transmitted from the first elastic element to the outer conductor
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric contact device for electrically connecting a first component to a second component. The electric contact device of the invention includes an outer conductor, at least one inner conductor inside the outer conductor, and a first elastic element between the outer conductor and the at least one inner conductor. The outer conductor and the at least one inner conductor are each connected to the first component and the second component or can be brought into contact therewith. The axial dimension of the at least one inner conductor and of the outer conductor can be modified. The outer conductor and the at least one inner conductor are metallic. The first elastic element is made of an electrically insulating material and is attached to the outer conductor.